John Henderson Buck, Jr.

John was born in Madison, Wisconsin. At the age of 16 he enlisted in the Navy and started active duty at the age of 17. There he sang with the Navy Blue Jackets and later served in the radar division. Afterwards he attended the University of Wisconsin before transferring to Northwestern University where his passion for theater began.

In the summer of 1969, he made Cleveland his home when he joined the resident company of the Cleveland Playhouse for 19 seasons. He later joined the Great Lakes theater until 2009. His many varied roles took him from Shakespeare to Dickens and everything in between.  

He has appeared with the Cleveland Orchestra, The Cleveland Lyric Opera, and the Round About Theater, and on Public Television. His one-of-a-kind voice made him natural for commercial and voice overwork which he pursued into retirement.

Those who knew John would describe him as always kind, the first to be friendly, generous of spirit with a remarkable and unique sense of humor. He had a true joy of living and could find beauty in small things and happiness and contentment in the day to day. This was manifested in his calm and peaceful nature.

His wife Nancy was privileged to have shared their life's many adventures for 48 years. Although he will be greatly missed, his larger-than-life spirit will be remembered by his family, extended family, friends and those he touched through the theater.

He is survived by his wife Nancy; sisters Patricia Gonzales, Sandra Heneri; nieces Carmen White (David), Belinda Strannigan (Gary); nephew Brian Krantz (Christine); great nieces Munro White, Elizabeth Hogue, Mae Krantz and Emily Allred, great nephews Jaden Krantz, Scott Strannigan and Sage Davey; mother-in-law Claire Eas brother-in law Jamie Easa (Sheila).

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.